Special Supplement to Gilbert Sun News
HEALTH Winter 2021
WELLNESS Your Local Guide to Better Living
Taking small steps for lifelong rewards BY MELISSA ELLIOTT, MSW GSN Guest Writer
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taying engaged, socially connected and finding meaningful programs to participate in over the last year has been challenging for everyone—but especially for seniors who can be vulnerable and isolated. The Area Agency on Aging has adapted to offer virtual versions of its Health Living classes, including Geri-Fit exercise classes and other
behavior change courses like chronic disease self-management, living life with chronic pain and diabetes self-management. This February and March, the agency will virtually offer the Aging Mastery Program. Developed by the National Council on Aging, The Aging Mastery Program is a 10-week course that explores topics like fall prevention, nutrition, exercise, medication management, financial management, emotional health and life
care planning. The class is taught by subject-matter experts. Participants receive a workbook and other supplemental materials. “The Aging Mastery Program is great because it is so comprehensive,” said Rose Leyba, the agency’s health promotion coordinator. “It doesn’t just focus on one area like physical health or fall prevention but covers a variety of topics that are important to older adults as they
plan for the future.” If you are interested in participating in the Aging Mastery Program, call 602-241-5562 for information and to register. For information on all the classes the Area Agency is offering, call the 24-hour senior help line at 602-264-4357 or visit the website at aaaphx.org. Melissa Elliott, MSW is vice president of programs & services for the Area Agency on Aging, Region One.
center, movement studio, pool and other services. The community offers two dining venues, 1891 Fine Dining and Graze Café Club, that it says “provide residents with delicious and healthy culinary choices to match their wants and needs.” Local owners-operators Ben Searle and Casey Balmforth began the project in 2016 after launching American Orchards Senior Living.
“The goal for American Groves is to create Gilbert’s premier senior living option for individuals and couples looking for an elevated and inspired lifestyle,” they said in a release. American Groves’ state-of-the-art residences have full kitchens and come in one- and two-bedroom floor plans. Its modern-farm architecture is a nod to Gilbert’s history and this theme is present throughout the exterior and interior design of the
community. American Groves Independent Living “is an ideal option for many seniors as it promotes a healthy-living lifestyle that allows residents to truly achieve a better overall state of being,” the owners said, because it provides socialization, peace of mind, security, maintenance-free care, activities and transportation. Information: americangroves.com.
shoes and those required by the sport they play. Cleats generally don’t offer good support and a supportive shoe insole should be considered. “Stretch before and after sports practices,” it advises. “Ensure your child is performing warm-up and cool-down exercises when playing sports.” Pediatric Foot & Ankle says 90 percent of the children its professionals
see for heel pain caused by Sever’s Disease. “The most common misdiagnosis for children’s heel pain is plantar fasciitis,” it says. “Most of all of these cases prove to be Severs. Kids and adult heel pain are different and should be treated differently.” The second most common cause of heel pain in children is Achilles Ten-
donitis and a less common but not unheard-of cause of children’s heel pain is juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. “A pediatric podiatrist is the most qualified professional to diagnose and treat children’s heel pain,” it adds. Information: pediatricfootankle.com
American Groves is Gilbert’s latest senior living facility GSN NEWS STAFF
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merican Groves Independent and Assisted Living Community opened this month next to Gilbert High School. The community, at 941 E. Elliot Road, boasts of “a variety of purposeful amenities which are centered around the health and wellness of residents,” including The Reserve a wellness spa with a salon, fitness
Common causes of child foot pain can be addressed GSN NEWS STAFF
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here are several best ways to prevent pediatric heel pain, according to Pediatric Foot and Ankle. Located at 633 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, the practice advises parents to ensure their child wears high-quality shoes that offer ample support. This is true for both “everyday”